Please book an appointment with the GP.

Please book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.

Ear wax is a natural product which forms a protective coating to the lining of the ear canal; the amount can vary from person to person.  Plugs of wax can form in some people causing feeling of fullness, discomfort, dull hearing or tinnitus.

If you are not sure it is wax causing the problem or if the ear is painful, book an appointment with a Doctor or Practice Nurse at the surgery.

Ear drops alone will often clear a plug of wax, olive oil is recommended.  Other softening agents may cause dryness / irritation of the ear canal and should only be used for 2-3 days.

• Warm the bottle of olive oil by holding it in the hand for a few minutes
• Lie down with the affected ear uppermost and instill approximately 3-4 drops olive oil into ear using a dropper (which can be purchased from chemist)
• Remain in this position for 10 minutes, allowing the olive oil to settle.  Do not plug ear with cotton wool as this will absorb the oil. Repeat this 2-3 times daily if possible.
• Repeat for other ear if necessary

Ear Syringing

If symptoms remain after 7 days of using olive oil syringing may be consider.

It is not safe to syringe the ear if the person has had :-

• Previous ear surgery
• Had problems with ear syringing in the past
• Had recent ear infection
• Has a history of perforated ear drum

Unfortunately due to current Infection Control limitations we cannot offer this Ear Syringing service.  If you require this immediately then please visit Specsavers – Click here for more information

General Ear Care

Do Not:

• Don’t put anything into the ear ie cotton buds, in an attempt to try and clean your ears these can damage the delicate lining of the ear canal and may perforate the ear drum.
• Only use ear plugs for limited periods of time.
• Don’t block the ear canal with cotton wool as this will interfere with the natural cleansing action.

Do:

• Keep your ears dry.
• Before syringing please inform nurse of any previous surgery, especially mastoid surgery or if there is a history of ear discharge or pain.

REGULAR USE OF OLIVE OIL 1 DROP/WEEK MAY HELP TO PREVENT THE BUILD UP OF EXCESSIVE WAX.

Please book an appointment with the Practice Nurse.

Working together to improve your health

Everyone is at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease and some forms of dementia. The good news is that these conditions can often be prevented – even if you have a history of them in your family. Have your free NHS Health Check and you will be better prepared for the future and be able to take steps to maintain or improve your health. Download our NHS Health Checks Leaflet.

Why do I need an NHS Health Check?

We know that your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease and dementia increases with age. There are also certain things that will put you at even greater risk. These are:

• being overweight
• being physically inactive
• not eating healthily
• smoking
• drinking too much alcohol
• high blood pressure
• high cholesterol

Both men and women can develop these conditions, and having once could increase your risk of developing another in the future.

• In the brain a blocked artery or a bleed can cause a stroke.
• In the heart a blocked artery can cause a heart attack or angina.
• The kidneys can be damaged by high blood pressure or diabetes, causing chronic kidney disease and increasing your risk of having a heart attack.
• Being overweight and physically inactive can lead to type 2 diabetes.
• If unrecognised or unmanaged, type 2 diabetes could increase your risk of further health problems, including heart disease, kidney disease and stroke.

What happens at the check?

• This check is to assess your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, and stroke.
• The check will take about 20–30 minutes.
• You’ll be asked some simple questions. For example, about your family history and choices which may put your health at risk
• We’ll record your height, weight, age, sex, and ethnicity.
• We’ll take your blood pressure.
• We’ll do a simple blood test to check your cholesterol level.

What happens after the check?

• We will discuss how you can reduce your risk and stay healthy.
• You’ll be taken through your results and told what they mean. Some people may be asked to return at a later date for their results.
• You’ll be given personalised advice on how to lower your risk and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
• Some people with raised blood pressure will have their kidneys checked through a blood test.
• Some people may need to have another blood test to check for type 2 diabetes. Your health professional will be able to tell you more.
• Treatment or medication may be prescribed to help you maintain your health.

Questions you may have

Why do I need this check? I feel fine!

• The NHS Health Check helps to identify potential risks early. By having this check and following the advice of your health professional, you improve your chances of living a healthier life.

But don’t these conditions run in the family?

• If you have a history of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease in your family then you may be more at risk. Taking action now can help you to prevent the onset of these conditions.

I know what I’m doing wrong. How can the doctor help me?

• If you would like help, we will work with you to find ways to eat healthily, reach your healthy weight, be more active, cut down your drinking, or stop smoking.

If I am assessed as being at ‘low risk’, does this mean I won’t develop these conditions?

• It is impossible to say that someone will or won’t go on to develop one of these conditions. But taking action now can help you lower your potential risk.

Will everyone have this check?

• This check is part of a national scheme to help prevent the onset of these health problems. Everyone between the ages of 40 and 74 who has not been diagnosed with the conditions mentioned will be invited for a check once every five years. If you are outside the age range and concerned about your health, you should contact your GP.